When sophomore Lexie Kane switched her major to business, she wasn't sure where she'd land. Two semesters later, she's running social content for Preview Your I Do, a sub-brand of Be All Inclusive, a destination wedding company. She plans posts across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, tracks engagement, and learns the craft of brand storytelling in real time.
"I would have never thought I'd have this much experience in business already as a sophomore." — Lexie Kane '28, Marketing
Her turning point came through the deliberate, do-the-work design of BIZ 202: Career Flight Take-Off, the second course in UD's four-part Career Flight Plan. The class pairs professional skill-building with hands-on practice—and expects students to use those tools immediately.
A course that turns "should do" into "actually did"
Lexie admits she needed the push.
"Typical college students get busy. I wouldn't have updated my LinkedIn or resume if it wasn't built into the class—and graded. At the end, I saw how beneficial it was."
BIZ 202 builds directly on BIZ 103's exploration of business majors and careers. Where 103 asks what you might do, 202 shows you how to get there—and then requires you to try. Students complete:
- Resume review with Career Services
- Recorded elevator pitch
- Mock interview with a UD SBA alum (with rubric-based feedback)
- AI practice interview and coaching on responses
- Tailored cover letter for a real posting
- Service engagement with a nonprofit
- LAMP List: a targeted list of 20+ organizations and contacts
"This is not a ‘textbook' course. Anyone can Google ‘how to land an internship' and get a list of steps. We take this deeper and personalize the process for the students," said Misty Bruns, BIZ 202 Director and Course Instructor.
The assignments that changed everything
For Lexie, two BIZ 202 elements were game changers:
1) The Alumni Mock Interview
Lexie selected a marketing professional from the alumni volunteer list and completed a Zoom interview.
"She gave me specific feedback—like direct eye contact on Zoom and cutting filler words. I used it right away for another interview and got into Flyers in Real Estate."
2) The LAMP List + Cover Letter
The LAMP List asked Lexie to identify companies, rank her interest and connections, and act—including writing a tailored cover letter to one of her top picks.
"I found an internship on Handshake and emailed the cover letter because that was the first requirement. I honestly thought I was just turning in an assignment. Then they replied. First round, second round… I got the job."
She later learned she'd been chosen from a pool of roughly 160 applicants.
Learning the work behind the scroll
Inside her internship, Lexie is building real-world marketing skills:
- Designing Instagram Stories and short-form videos in Canva
- Selecting audio and on-screen text that align with brand voice
- Reading analytics to understand what resonates—and why
"I look at social media differently now. I understand the brand side—what keeps people engaged and how to test ideas."
Why UD's model works
Misty Bruns, who helped shape the BIZ 202 curriculum, sees a predictable transformation each semester.
"This course is designed specifically to meet students where they are.We provide concrete tools to prepare students and build their confidence so that when it's time, they are ready," said Bruns.
What makes the difference?
Embedded networking:
"I 100% believe that networking is a crucial skill that will help students more than anything," Bruns says. Through the alumni mock interview, alumni remember being in your seat and tailor feedback that sticks.
Combining soft and hard skills:
" Doing this type of work makes our students stand out with employers and positions students to be in the best position to land those dream opportunities!" said Bruns.
Tools for the long game:
Students learn to research companies, customize materials, and approach the search with intentionality—not just mass-apply.
Bruns' message to students ties back to a class metaphor: 212° of trying to find ways to do 1% more. At 211°, water is hot. At 212°, it boils. That one extra degree, like sending five more targeted emails, refining a story, or saying thank you often, makes the difference.
Stretching the network (and keeping score)
Since taking BIZ 202, Lexie has been determined to grow her network—and her hard work is paying off. First, it boosted her confidence to raise her hand in class, then to visit faculty office hours, and eventually, to take on bigger opportunities.
BIZ 202 assignments prepared her for high-stakes moments, including a Business Advisory Council 1:1 networking session with more than 20 seasoned alumni from across the country.
"Talking with successful professionals isn't as scary as you think. Practicing my elevator pitch in class helped me walk right into that room and start conversations."
She's now part of UD's Mentor Alumni Program, a relationship she initiated after hearing Dean Trevor Collier promote it in class.
"We Zoom weekly. He suggested keeping a spreadsheet of contacts and checking in periodically. That's how he landed his first internship and job."
Next up: summer internships to explore different sides of marketing, and a study abroad semester in Madrid, another exciting step for personal and professional growth.
"Biz 202 will help any business career you're considering. Listen, do the work, and expand on it."
About BIZ 202: Career Flight Take-Off
Learn more about the Career Flight Plan courses.
Visit and Learn more about the School of Business Administration
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